NEW YORK — As the snow settles over 33rd Street and the NBA reaches its traditional mid-point on this January 19, 2026, the Madison Square Garden faithful find themselves in a familiar yet frustrating position. The New York Knicks are currently 25-17, good for 3rd in a top-heavy Eastern Conference. But as we look at the numbers, the question remains: is this iteration of the “Bockers” actually better than the 2024-25 squad that captured the city’s heart?
The Mid-Season Grade: B+
Through 42 games, the Knicks have earned a solid B+. While they aren’t leading the league in wins, they’ve already secured hardware, winning the 2025 NBA Cup title in December. However, a recent three-game skid and a defense that seems to have lost its “Thibodeau-era” teeth (now under the guidance of Mike Brown) keeps them from “A” territory.
By the Numbers: 2025 vs. 2026
When we stack this season against the same point in 2025, the shift in identity is jarring. The Knicks have traded a gritty, defensive identity for a high-octane offensive engine.
| Category | 2024-25 (Mid-Jan) | 2025-26 (Current) |
| Record | 27-16 | 25-17 |
| Offensive Rating | 118.5 (5th) | 120.5 (3rd) |
| Defensive Rating | 114.3 (14th) | 117.0 (19th) |
| Points Per Game | 115.8 | 118.4 |
| Net Rating | +4.2 | +3.5 |
The statistical story is clear: the Knicks are scoring more efficiently than ever. Jalen Brunson is playing at an MVP level, averaging 28.2 points and 6.1 assists. The integration of Karl-Anthony Towns (20.9 PPG, 11.5 RPG) has unlocked the floor spacing, making the Knicks a nightmare to guard in the half-court.
However, the cost of that spacing has been felt on the other end. Last year’s team, sitting at 27-16 at this exact juncture, was sturdier. They protected the paint with more desperation and relied on a slower pace (96.7) to grind opponents down. This year’s pace of 98.2 has led to more transition opportunities for both teams, often leaving the Knicks’ defense exposed.
The Verdict: Which Team is Better?
If you value winning when it counts, the current 2025-26 team has the edge. Their NBA Cup victory proved they can navigate a high-stakes bracket, and their offensive ceiling is undeniably higher. But if we are looking purely at regular-season dominance and “winning the math,” the 2024-25 team was slightly better at this point in the season.
Last year’s squad had two more wins (27 vs. 25) and a superior Net Rating. They were more balanced and felt less reliant on Brunson having a “superhero” night to win. While the current team is more explosive, they must find a way to drag that defensive rating back into the top 12 if they want to avoid another early playoff exit.
For now, the Knicks are a title contender with a glass jaw. They have the star power, but they’re still searching for the grit that defined them just one year ago.